- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and hoisin sauce creates a delectable glaze that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or alternative proteins.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sticky Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Toss the chicken in the sticky sauce until well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls.
- Spoon the sticky chicken over the rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Incorporate steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- Alternative Grains: Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Protein Swap: Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken to cater to different dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Microwave the rice or reheat it in a covered pot with a bit of water to steam.
FAQs
How can I prevent the rice from becoming too sticky?
Rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are a leaner option.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar to achieve a similar sweet and savory flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, like hoisin sauce, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and reheat just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What other garnishes can I use?
Fresh cilantro, sliced red chilies, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd. Ensure you have a large enough skillet to cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, but you can use other types like basmati or short-grain rice based on your preference.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas and mix them with the chicken and sauce before serving.
Conclusion
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls offer a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice. This versatile and easy-to-make dish is perfect for any meal and can be customized to suit various tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy and delight.
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken coated in a savory-sweet glaze, served over fragrant jasmine rice. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
- Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sticky Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear.
- Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Fluff rice and keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sticky Sauce:
- In the same skillet, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Simmer gently.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with sticky chicken, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitute jasmine rice with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option.
- Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired